Tillie’s Lily faces older runners

ARCADIA, Calif. – The undefeated 3-year-old Tillie’s Lily has led Florida trainer Jonathan Thomas to California for the first time this fall.

Tillie’s Lily, a two-time winner at Gulfstream Park in the summer, was sent to California last month for the Unzip Me Stakes for 3-year-old fillies Sept. 30 at Santa Anita. She failed to draw into the field from the alsoeligible list.

As a substitute, Tillie’s Lily will start in an optional claimer for fillies and mares at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course Friday.

“I was hoping to run her against her own age group,” Thomas said from Florida on Tuesday. “We’re kind of trying to learn more about her and see what we have. We should learn more about her on Friday.”

Tillie’s Lily will be ridden by Flavien Prat and drew the rail in a field of six. Her main rival is Swirling, who has had a similar career path, winning her first two starts in turf sprints.

KEY CONTENDERS

Tillie’s Lily, by Distorted Humor Beyers: 88-76

◗ Tillie’s Lily won her debut in a five-furlong maiden race on a sealed and sloppy track July 21 at Gulfstream Park, leading throughout to prevail by 8 1/2 lengths. In her turf debut in an optional claimer at five furlongs Sept. 1, Tillie’s Lily was always near the front and won by 2 3/4 lengths as a heavy favorite.

◗ Owned by Southwind Stable, Tillie’s Lily was purchased for $200,000 at the 2015 Keeneland September yearling sale.

“We gave her some time to develop,” said Thomas, 38. “She’s always been an honest and straightforward filly.”

◗ Prat is likely to have Tillie’s Lily near the front, and she could face a challenge from Fact of Life, who will have her turf debut for trainer Bob Baffert.

Swirling, by Twirling Candy Beyers: 85-69

◗ Swirling won her debut in a $50,000 claimer for maidens on the hillside turf course June 1. Swirling did not race again until Aug. 26, when she won an optional claimer at five furlongs on turf at Del Mar.

◗ Owned by Pete and Kosta Hronis and trained by John Sadler, the 3-year-old Swirling is a stalker who would benefit from a quick pace.

Sturdy One, by Langfuhr Last 3 Beyers: 73-85-88

◗ Sturdy One, a 5-year-old mare entered for the $62,500 claiming price, has the most experience on the hillside, with one win in 11 starts. The win came in April in a $40,000 claimer the day she was taken by her current owner and trainer, Clarke Cooper and Ian Kruljac.

◗ Since being claimed, Sturdy One has one win in five starts, an optional claimer July 30 at Del Mar. She was sixth in an optional claimer at five furlongs on turf Aug. 16 at Del Mar and has worked steadily since midSeptember for Friday’s race.